Graphical method and system for accessing information on a communications network

ABSTRACT

A system and computer-based method for permitting a computer system to access a network location using a browser application by activating a desktop icon. The system comprises a first computer readable program code means for causing the computer system to display a desktop icon associated with a file containing a network address corresponding to the network location. When the desktop icon is activated, a second computer usable program code means causes the computer to launch an instance of a browser application or a new window for a currently executing browser application and a third computer usable program code means causes the computer system to pass the network address to the browser application, thereby accessing the network location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates generally to accessing information ona network, and more particularly, to a system and computer-based methodfor providing easy access to sites on the World Wide Web.

2. Related Art

A vast array of electronic information infrastructures are rapidly beingassembled and used by individuals, organizations, businesses andindustry to facilitate the exchange of information and data across bothnear and far distances. As available computing power at a given pricepoint is increasing, personal computers, workstations and othercomputing devices are finding their way onto more desktops, into moreoffices, and into more working environments than ever before imagined.These computing devices are used as the links into the informationinfrastructure, allowing all forms of electronic communications and dataexchange.

This rise of electronic communication is a world-wide phenomenon,globally affecting personal lives as well as all facets of businessesand industry. Be it a local area network linking a few computerstogether in close proximity, or a wide area network providinginformation exchange around the globe, more and more businesses andindividuals are turning to communications and data exchange via thiselectronic infrastructure. The electronic information infrastructure isreaching business operations from manufacturing and production toresearch and development, sales and commerce.

This electronic information infrastructure has become a common source ofnews, information and entertainment for computer end-users. In thisregard, consider the Internet, for example. The Interact is a world-wideset of interconnected computer networks that can be used to access aplethora of information in various forms.

Computer end-users employ network addresses to locate information on theelectronic information infrastructure. For example, on the Internet,Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) are used to specify sites such asservers within the World Wide Web (WWW; or the "web"). The web is adistributed hypermedia system and functions as a client-server based,information presentation system.

Files on the web are also referred to as "pages," and are written inHyperText Mark-up Language (HTML). Web pages include hyperlinks to otherfiles. Web pages are typically viewed using an application programcalled a web browser (also known as an "internet browser" or "browser"),such as Netscape Communications Corporation's (Mountain View, Calif.)NetScape™ browser.

Conventionally, in order to access a network location, an end user mustfirst open a browser application and then enter the URL of a desirednetwork location. The browser connects to the web via a modem or otherconventional network interface, thus permitting the user to read andinterface with the accessed network location.

The following are example URL formats:

file://wuarchive.wust1.edu/mirrors/msdos/graphics/gifkit.zip

ecp://wuarchive.wust.edu/mirrors

http://www.w3.org:80/default.html

news:alt.hypertext

telnet://dra.com

The first part of the URL, before the colon, specifies the accessmethod. The part of the URL after the colon is interpreted in accordancewith the access method specified (for example, ftp is file transferprotocol and is command line-based). In general, two slashes after thecolon indicate a machine name (machine:port is also valid).

Having to first access a web browser and then type-in a networklocation's URL can be tedious. Some browsers permit the user to storefrequently accessed network locations to facilitate accesses. This isaccomplished through the use of what is sometimes referred to as abookmark. Through the use of a bookmark, once a browser is opened, theuser may be able to quickly access a favorite site by selecting abookmark previously designated to mark the location of that site.

Increased accesses by individual users on a day-to-day basis demands amore efficient method for accessing network locations.

What is needed is a convenient method to access network locationswithout having to open a browser and key-in the desired site's URL.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system and computer-based methodproviding users quick access to a network location without having tofirst launch a web browser or key-in the site's URL. The systemcomprises a first computer readable program code means for causing thecomputer system to display a desktop icon, called a "jumpsite," which isassociated with a file containing a network address corresponding to thenetwork location. When the jumpsite is activated, a second computerusable program code means causes the computer to launch an instance of abrowser application or a new window for a currently executing browserapplication, and a third computer usable program code means causes thecomputer system to pass the network address to the browser application,thereby accessing the network location.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, jumpsitesrepresent specific Internet network locations, addressed by their URLs.Each jumpsite is a hyperlink to a designated network location that theuser frequently explores. Each jumpsite can be graphically manipulatedto access its associated network location. These addresses are alsoreferred to as http (or hypertext-transfer protocol) addresses.

One feature of the present invention is that it permits a user to accessa desired network location without having to first access a browserapplication.

Another feature of the present invention is that it permits a user tostore network locations in a hierarchical, browser-independent manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example environment in whichthe present invention can operate.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example window 200 that serves asthe GUI for the WebJumper tool.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the process followed in creating ajumpsite according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating in further detail the step 304 ofuser entry of information for the creation of the jumpsite.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a local computer system 500 (suchas computer system 100, for example) and a remote computer system 501connected by a communication link 502.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is described below withreference to these figures where like reference numbers indicateidentical or functionally similar elements. Also in the figures, theleft most digit of each reference number corresponds to the figure inwhich the reference number is first used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

1. Introduction and Overview of the Invention

The present invention is directed toward a system and method forallowing a user to access a desired network location without having tofirst access a browser application. According to the invention, aGraphical User Interface (GUI) icon is provided that allows the user to"jump" directly to the designated network location. When the userselects the icon (e.g., by double-clicking on the icon), a browserapplication is automatically opened and the designated network locationis accessed.

A user may create more than one icon and each icon can be used todesignate a different network location. Thus, a user can have adifferent icon for each of his or her favorite or most frequentlyvisited sites. In one embodiment of the present invention, the icons mayhave different visual representations. The icons can be stored on theusers desktop, in folders, or, in fact, wherever the GUI allows icons tobe kept.

2. Icon

An icon refers to an object displayed by an output monitor on the"desktop" (i.e., workspace) of a computer system employing a GUI; theobject is associated with a computer file available to the computer'soperating system. Standard file operations can each be invoked withrespect to the associated file by performing a corresponding graphicalmanipulation of the icon. For example, a request to execute the programcontained in a file might be invoked by double-clicking on theassociated desktop icon. Similarly, a request to delete a file might beinvoked by graphically moving or "dragging" the associated desktop icononto the displayed image of a trash can or dumpster; or bycursor-clicking on the associated desktop icon (to "select" that icon)and then cursor-clicking on a pull-down menu command labeled "delete."In response to such actions, the operating system of the local computersystem performs the requested operation.

A principal advantage of GUIs employing desktop icons of this nature isthat the procedures corresponding to standard file operations aregeneric for all relevant desktop icons within a particular computersystem. In other words, the actions that invoke file operations areindependent of the identity of the particular icon and file beingoperated upon. Consequently, a user need learn only one basic set ofrelatively intuitive actions to perform standard file operations on thefiles represented by icons within the user's computer system.

Note that the set of standard file operations and the corresponding iconmanipulations vary among different computer platforms and operatingsystems. The use of icons and standard file operations by clicking anddragging icons is well known and is commonly employed by several wellknown GUIs, platforms and operating systems such as Windows, Apple, andUnix.

3. Environment of the Invention

Before describing the invention in detail, it is useful to firstdescribe an example environment in which the invention can operate. FIG.1 is a block diagram illustrating an example environment in which thepresent invention can operate. The environment is a computer system 100that includes one or more processors, such as processor 104. Theprocessor 104 is connected to a communications bus 106. Various softwareembodiments are described in terms of this example computer system.After reading this description, it will be apparent to a person skilledin the relevant art how to implement the invention using other computersystems and/or computer architectures.

Computer system 100 also includes a main memory 108, preferably randomaccess memory (RAM), and can also include a secondary memory 110. Thesecondary memory 110 can include, for example, a hard disk drive 112and/or a removable storage drive 114, representing a floppy disk drive,a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable storagedrive 114 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 118 in awell known manner. Removable storage unit 118 represents a floppy disk,magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which is read by and written to byremovable storage drive 114. As will be appreciated, the removablestorage unit 118 includes a computer usable storage medium having storedtherein computer software and/or data.

In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 110 may include othersimilar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to beloaded into computer system 100. Such means can include, for example, aremovable storage unit 122 and an interface 120. Examples can include aprogram cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in videogame devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) andassociated socket, and other removable storage units 122 and interfaces120 which allow software and data to be transferred from the removablestorage unit 122 to computer system 100.

Computer system 100 can also include a communications interface 124.Communications interface 124 allows software and data to be transferredbetween computer system 100 and external devices via communications path126. Examples of communications interface 124 can include a modem, anetwork interface (such as an ethernet card), a communications port,etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface 124 arein the form of signals which can be electronic, electromagnetic, opticalor other signals capable of being received by communications interface124 via communications path 126. Note that communications interface 124provides a means by which computer system 100 can interface to a networksuch as the Internet.

The present invention is described in terms of this example environment.Description in these terms is provided for convenience only. It is notintended that the invention be limited to application in this exampleenvironment. In fact, after reading the following description, it willbecome apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how to implementthe invention in alternative environments.

4. Software and Hardware Embodiments

The present invention is preferably implemented using software running(that is, executing) in an environment similar to that described abovewith respect to FIG. 1. In this document, the term "computer programproduct" is used to generally refer to removable storage device 118 or ahard disk installed in hard disk drive 112. These computer programproducts are means for providing software to computer system 100.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored inmain memory and/or secondary memory 110. Computer programs can also bereceived via communications interface 124. Such computer programs, whenexecuted, enable the computer system 100 to perform the features of thepresent invention as discussed herein. In particular, the computerprograms, when executed, enable the processor 104 to perform thefeatures of the present invention. Accordingly, such computer programsrepresent controllers of the computer system 100.

In an embodiment where the invention is implemented using software, thesoftware may be stored in a computer program product and loaded intocomputer system 100 using removable storage drive 114, hard drive 112 orcommunications interface 124. Alternatively, the computer programproduct may be downloaded to computer system 100 over communicationspath 126. The control logic (software), when executed by the processor104, causes the processor 104 to perform the functions of the inventionas described herein.

In another embodiment, the invention is implemented primarily inhardware using, for example, hardware components such as applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of a hardware statemachine so as to perform the functions described herein will be apparentto persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

5. WebJumper and Jumpsites

Having thus described an example environment in which the invention canbe implemented, a preferred embodiment of the invention is nowdescribed. In a preferred embodiment, a desktop icon on a local computerrepresents a web page (e.g., a file) on a web site (e.g., a remoteserver) that is accessed by an http request from a local web browser. Aswill be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art, a jumpsite can beemployed to access other types of files and network locations by otheraccess methods without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. As stated above, according to the invention icons areprovided which allow the user to access a designated web site, withouthaving to first open a browser application and then access the location.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a computer-basedsystem and method for creating the jumpsites. This system and method arereferred to in this document as "WebJumper." WebJumper is a tool thatlets users create desktop icon that "jump" the user to designated websites; these icons are called "jumpsites." The WebJumper tool provides aGUI to "capture" information from the user regarding a designated website. That is, the GUI permits the user to enter information regardingthe designated web site; this information is then stored in a fileassociated with the icon.

Jumpsites can be placed on the desktop, in a directory, or in an iconcatalog page for easy access. Further, jumpsites may be used with anystandard browser. Thus, jumpsites provide a browser-independent way forusers to organize and access network locations.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example window 200 that serves asthe GUI for the WebJumper tool. Referring now to FIG. 2, the WebJumpertool comprises a main window section 204, a button bar section 208 andan icon display section 212. Main window section 204 provides a sectionfor the user to enter information pertaining to the jumpsite beingcreated. Button section 208 provides a series of "buttons" that can beactivated by the user to select certain features. Display section 212provides a section where created jumpsites can be displayed to the user.

Main window section 204 provides data entry locations permitting theuser to specify a description for a new jumpsite icon, the networkaddress (e.g., URL) of the web site to be associated with the newjumpsite icon, and the icon name.

The description field 242 allows the user to enter a description of thejumpsite being created. This description can be any moniker whichdescribes the jumpsite to the user. This field is optional.

Location field 244 allows the user to enter the URL of the web sitedesignated by the jumpsite being created. According to one embodiment,location field 244 ignores any new line and space characters. This meansthat users can cut and paste a URL containing new line and spacecharacters into location field 244 without needing to edit the text.

Icon name field 246 provides an entry for the user to enter a name forthe jumpsite being created. This name is the name under which thejumpsite is to be stored. In a preferred embodiment, the directory as towhere the jumpsite is to be kept is included in icon name field 246. Forthe example illustrated in FIG. 2, the jumpsite is to be named "movies"and is to be kept in a directory "/usr/people/rcu/web/movies" on thesystem.

Buttons 208 permit the user to perform tasks in connection with creatingjumpsite icons. An "Options" button 252, permits the user to set severalpreferences. Clicking the Options button 252 activates an optionswindow. In the options window (not shown), the user can enter certainsettings or attributes for the jumpsite being created, or can changecertain settings or attributes for an existing jumpsite. For example,the options settings can allow the user to identify or select a defaultweb site or the default web browser. For example, the user can selectthe NetScape Navigator™ browser or the Mosaic browser.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the options window can alsopermit the user to change or select a default directory for storingjumpsite icons and their corresponding information. One manner by whichthis can be accomplished is by allowing the user to type a directorypath in a field designated Default Icon Location Label (not shown). Oncethe Default Icon Location is selected, all jumpsite icons created willbe saved in the selected default directory unless the user specifiesotherwise. If the user wishes a jumpsite to be stored in anotherdirectory, the user can specify the directory by, for example, includingthe directory name in the icon name when creating the jumpsite. In thisembodiment, the default directory automatically appears in locationfield 244 when a new jumpsite is being created. This default directoryacts as a "hot list" of the user's favorite web sites. All jumpsitesmaintained in this hot list are visible to the user when the defaultdirectory is selected.

A "View" button 254 allows the user to view icon directories. ActivatingView button 254 enlarges display section 212 permitting the user to seeall jumpsite icons stored in any directory specified by the user. Thisdirectory view permits the user to remove, rename, copy, organize intofolders, and otherwise manipulate the jumpsite icons that they create orcopy into their jumpsite directory.

A "Save" button 256, when activated, causes information regarding ajumpsite icon that is specified in the main window section 204 to besaved. Thus, once a user has entered a description, location and namefor the new jumpsite, the user activates Save button 256 to save thisinformation and create the new jumpsite or modify a previously storedjumpsite.

In one embodiment, where a user wishes to edit a jumpsite, the user canselect the jumpsite to be edited from display section 212 (e.g., bysingle-clicking it with a pointing device). This selection causes theinformation about that jumpsite to be visible in main window section 204where it can be edited by the user. Changing the name causes thejumpsite to be copied, while changing the other fields causes thejumpsite to be edited.

A "Clear" button 258 can be used by the user to clear the information inthe description field 242, location field 244 and icon name field 246.

A "Close" button 260 is provided for the user to easily close theWebJumper tool. Of course, as is the case with other windowingenvironments, the tool can be closed by double-clicking on the "dash" inthe upper left hand corner of WebJumper window 200.

A "Help" button 262 is included to provide on-line informationconcerning the operation, use and features of the WebJumper tool.

WebJumper window 200 also includes a feedback line 220 to prompt theuser for input or otherwise guide the user when using the WebJumpertool. The feedback line blanks when the user depresses the Clear, Saveor Options button.

Multiple jumpsite icons can be created in a single session by enteringinformation for a first icon in WebJumper window 200, saving it usingSave button 256, using Clear button 258 to dear fields 242, 244 and 246,and then repeating the steps described above for creating and saving thefirst jumpsite icon.

Note that the user can also categorize jumpsite icons by creatingdirectories or icon catalog pages for different topics. By creatingjumpsites by using the WebJumper tool, the user can drag related iconsfrom the default directory, another directory, or from the WebJumpertool itself into other directories or icon catalog pages. Also, the iconcan be stored fight on the user's desktop allowing immediate accesswithout having to open directories or other windows.

Jumpsite icon created with the WebJumper tool of the present inventionare transportable. Jumpsite icons can be copied by disk, attached toe-mail messages and otherwise transported to another system. In thismanner, jumpsite icon attach to e-mail messages in a similar manner thatdocument files, or the like, are attached to conventional Internetmessages. If recipients have WebJumper installed on their computer, theycan drag an icon out of the message onto the desktop and double-click onit to open the jumpsite. If the recipient of the message does not haveWebJumper installed, a text file appears when they double-click theicon. This file contains the UKL information for the web site associatedwith the jumpsite icon, but does not contain the web page itself.

When a user double clicks on a jumpsite icon the designated web site isopened in a browser application. Mother alternative technique foropening jumpsite icons is to drag them onto the icon representing thebrowser application. Multiple web sites can be open at the same time.According to one embodiment, each time a jumpsite icon isdouble-clicked, a new instance of browser 510 is opened and the web siteaccessed. Therefore, multiple web sites can be open simultaneously onthe user's terminal.

Existing jumpsite icons can be edited easily using the View button 254in WebJumper window 200. As noted above, all of the jumpsite icons willbe displayed in the directory view window which appears at the bottom ofthe WebJumper window 200. Alternatively, the user can use commandsavailable in a menu which appears when a jumpsite icon is selected(e.g., by single-clicking on the icon).

6. Creating Jumpsites

One embodiment of the invention is directed toward creating jumpsites.To create a jumpsite, the user utilizes the WebJumper tool. Creation ofa jumpsite is described in terms of a WebJumper tool using the exampleWebJumper window 200 described above. After reading this description, itwill become apparent how jumpsites can be created by the WebJumper toolusing alternative window configurations. As would be apparent to aperson skilled in the relevant art, jumpsites can be created by othermethods without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the process followed in creating ajumpsite according to one embodiment of the invention. Referring now toFIG. 3, in a step 302 the user enters desired information into WebJumperwindow 200. This information includes, at a minimum, the URL for thesite to be accessed when jumpsite is selected.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating in further detail the step 304 ofuser entry of information for the creation of the jumpsite. Referringnow to FIG. 4, in a step 402, the user enters the URL for the site he orshe desires to access by the jumpsite being created. For example, if theuser wishes to create an icon for the Silicon Surf home page of SiliconGraphics, Inc., the user would enter: http://www.sgi.com. Using theexample window 200 described above, this information is entered intolocation field 244.

Preferably, in a step 404, the user also enters name and directoryinformation for the jumpsite being created. Again, using the exampleWebJumper window 204, the user types a name for the icon in name field246 of the WebJumper window 200. Preferably, the name includes directoryinformation where the jumpsite is to be stored. In one embodiment, thereis a default directory so the user does not have to enter directoryinformation each time. Following the above example, the user can typesilicon.surf as the name of the file for the Silicon Surfhome page.

In a step 406, the user can add a description of the icon as well. Thisdescription can provide the user with a brief description identifyingthe jumpsite to a greater level of specificity. In the example WebJumperwindow 200, the description is entered in description field 242.

In one embodiment, to enter a description the user clicks on optionsbutton 252 to display a WebJumper options window (not shown). TheWebJumper options window includes an additional button called "ShowDescription Field" (also not shown). An "OK" button is also provided toexit the WebJumper options window. When either button is activated, adescription field then appears in the main WebJumper window, asdescribed above. At this point, the user can type in the description ofthe jumpsite icon. Depending on the configuration of the tool, thedescription field can be set up to always appear when window 200 isopened, or to appear only when specifically requested via the optionswindow.

In a step 408, once all of the desired information about the jumpsite isentered into WebJumper window 200, the user can click Save button 256and the WebJumper tool creates the icon and saves it in the directoryspecified. Prompts can be included for specifying a different directoryin which to save the new jumpsite icon.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a local computer system 500 (suchas computer system 100, for example) and a remote computer system 501connected by a communications link 502. The information entered by theuser in step 302 is represented in FIG. 5 by block 504 labeledinput/output (I/O) in FIG. 5.

Once the user saves a new jumpsite icon or modifies and saves anexisting jump site icon, the WebJumper tool, shown at 506, creates ajumpsite 508 and saves it as a file on the local computer system 500.This step of creating the jumpsite 508 and saving it is shown at 304 inFIG. 3. In one embodiment, step 304 is transparent to the user.

Specifically, the WebJumper tool creates a file that executes when thejumpsite icon is selected for execution by the user. A file is createdthat, when executed, launches a browser instance 510, thereby creatingan http request 512.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the jumpsite filestores the URL but does not contain executable browser code. Rather, thejumpsite file contains only linkage information that, when executed,will cause an operating system of the local computer system 500 tolaunch browser instance 510 using the stored URL that was specified bythe user in the jumpsite icon.

The WebJumper tool forms an association between the newly createdjumpsite file and a new desktop icon to represent the informationassociated with that jumpsite file. The new desktop icon is called ajumpsite icon as discussed above. This association step is shown at 306on FIG. 3.

Once a jumpsite icon has been created by the WebJumper tool, it can bemoved directly onto the user's desktop by clicking and dragging the iconusing a pointing device. The contents of the jumpsite file are notaffected by this operation. After jumpsite icons have been created andpositioned on the user's desktop, the WebJumper tool can be closed.

7. Using Jumpsites

At any time after a jumpsite icon is created, the user can readilyaccess the web site specified by a given jumpsite icon by simplydouble-clicking on that jumpsite icon. By positioning one or morejumpsite icons on the user's desktop, the user has direct access to theassociated web sites without having to access the WebJumper tool or takethe extra step of launching a browser., When the user activates (e.g.,double-clicks on) a jumpsite icon, as shown in a step 308 in FIG. 3, aninstance of the selected browser is launched, as shown in a step 310,and the jumpsite's URL is passed to the browser instance, as shown in astep 312. The browser then automatically returns the designated web pagein an new active browser window on the user's desktop.

In an alternative embodiment, activating the jumpsite icon returns thedesignated web page in an already-open window of a currently executingbrowser application.

Referring again to FIG. 5, once the user double-clicks on a jumpsiteicon 508, an instance 510 of the associated browser is executed. Thejumpsite file passes the URL 505 to browser instance 510, whichgenerates an http request 512 using URL 505. The http request 512 istransferred over the communications network 502, as shown generally at514. The generation, transfer and servicing of http requests areperformed in a conventional manner, as would be apparent to one skilledin the relevant art.

For example, the http request 514 is received at the remote computersystem 501 by a server 516. The server 516 parses the http request, andin response accesses the file specified with the URL 505. For example,the file can be accessed from a database 518. The server 516 thencreates an http response 520, attaches a copy of the file 522 to thehttp response 520 and sends the response and file copy back to therequesting browser instance 510 via communications network 502, as showngenerally at 524. At the local computer system 500, browser instance 510parses the response 524 and ultimately displays the file as a documenton the user's display within a window created by browser instance 510.

8. Conclusion

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled inthe relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Thus the present invention should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only inaccordance with the following claims and their equivalents. All citedpatent documents and publications in the above description areincorporated herein by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer program product for permitting acomputer system to access a network location using a browser applicationby activating a desktop icon, said computer program product comprising:acomputer usable medium having computer readable program code meansembodied in said medium for causing an application program to execute onthe computer system, said computer readable program code meanscomprising a computer readable first program code means for causing thecomputer system to display a desktop icon, said desktop icon associatedwith a file containing a network address corresponding to the networklocation, a computer readable second program code means for, when saiddesktop icon is activated, causing the computer system to launch thebrowser application, if the browser application is not currentlyexecuting, wherein said computer readable second program code means isseparate from the browser application, and a computer readable thirdprogram code means for causing the computer system to access the networklocation using said network address and the browser application.
 2. Thecomputer program product of claim 1, wherein said computer readableprogram code means further comprises:a computer readable fourth programcode means for causing the computer system to capture information insaid file, said information provided by a user and including saidnetwork address.
 3. The computer program product of claim 2, whereinsaid computer readable program code means is downloaded from a remotestorage device.
 4. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein thebrowser application accesses the network location using HypertextTransfer Protocol, and wherein said network address is a UniformResource Locator.
 5. The computer program product of claim 1, whereinsaid computer readable program code means further comprises:a computerreadable sixth program code means for causing the computer system tostore said desktop icon in a directory.
 6. The computer program productof claim 1, wherein said computer readable program code means furthercomprises:a computer readable seventh program code means for causing thecomputer system to electronically transfer a copy of said desktop iconand said file from the computer system to a further computer system,thereby permitting said further computer system to access said networklocation using a further browser application by activating said copy ofsaid desktop icon.
 7. The computer program product of claim 1, whereinsaid computer readable program code means is downloaded from a remotestorage device.
 8. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein saidcomputer readable program code means further comprises:a computerreadable further program code means for causing the computer system tocopy said desktop icon and said file.
 9. The computer program product ofclaim 1, wherein said third computer readable program code meanscomprises:a computer readable further program code means for causing thecomputer system to pass said network address to the browser application.10. A graphical interactive method for permitting a computer system toaccess a desired document located at a network location, said methodcomprising the steps of:(1) displaying a desktop icon, said desktop iconassociated with a file containing a network address corresponding to thenetwork location; (2) interactively selecting said desktop icon forexecution; (3) in response to selecting said desktop icon for execution,launching a browser application if said browser application is notcurrently executing, wherein said browser application is separate fromsaid file; and (4) retrieving the desired document from the networklocation using said browser application and said network address. 11.The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of:permitting a userto create said file.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the browserapplication retrieves documents using Hypertext Transfer Protocol, andwherein said file specifies the network location of the documents usinga Uniform Resource Locator.
 13. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising the step of:(6) storing said desktop icon in a directory. 14.The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of:(7)electronically transferring a copy of said desktop icon and said filefrom the computer system to a further computer system.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising the step of:using said further computersystem to perform steps (1) through (3).
 16. The method of claim 10,further comprising the step of:copying said desktop icon and said file.17. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of:passing saidnetwork address to the browser application.
 18. A computer programproduct for permitting a computer system to access a network locationusing a browser application by activating a desktop icon, said computerprogram product comprising:a computer usable medium having computerreadable program code means embodied in said medium for causing anapplication program to execute on the computer system, said computerreadable program code means comprising,a computer readable first programcode means for causing the computer system to display a desktop icon,said desktop icon associated with a file containing a network addresscorresponding to the network location, a computer readable secondprogram code means for, when said desktop icon is activated, causing thecomputer system to launch the browser application, if the browserapplication is not currently executing, wherein said computer readablesecond program code means is separate from the browser application, acomputer readable third program code means for causing the computersystem to access the network location using said network address and thebrowser application, and a computer readable fourth program code meansfor causing the computer system to permit a user to select a defaultbrowser application.
 19. A graphical interactive method for permitting acomputer system to access a desired document located at a networklocation, said method comprising the steps of:(1) displaying a desktopicon, said desktop icon associated with a file containing a networkaddress corresponding to the network location; (2) interactivelyselecting said desktop icon for execution; (3) in response to selectingsaid desktop icon for execution, launching a browser application if saidbrowser application is not currently executing, wherein said browserapplication is separate from said file; (4) retrieving the desireddocument from the network location using said browser application andsaid network address; and (5) permitting a user to select a defaultbrowser application.